Our exploration of Zariel City continued. Up to this point, the locations we visited didn't reach the exciting highs of the combatant's guild. That would change with the next stop.
Flinty and I were approaching a distinct segment of the city. According to her, it was one of the few areas with genuine greenery and authentic plant growth. I immediately had my suspicions, but this is Flinty, she'd never lie.
The only issue was that, due to the unique nature of the section, only authorized people would be allowed to enter.
"...So that's why, unless you kids have an ID or an appointment, I cannot let you enter the Green Zone!"
A lone guard with a spear was standing in front of a small portcullis. I could see through the holes that there was grass and trees in that zone. I looked at Flinty. She had her cheeks puffed and she looked like she was holding back tears.
"Guess this is a no-go, Flinty."
"...I really wanted to show you."
"It's alright. I grew up in a place with a bunch of grass anyway."
That didn't make her any happier. Wow, I suck at this. Despite her looks, she turned her back to the gate and trudged away.
"H-Hey Flinty, it isn't all bad. There's still a lot of other places we can explore."
"I know. Don't worry, I'm not upset."
Any semblance of sadness was removed from her face. Now, she just looked miffed.
"I was hoping that he'd let us in out of pity. The guard is too strong, though."
"That's.... devilish of you. Unexpectedly, too."
She playfully stuck her tongue out.
"I really did want to show you the Green Zone, though."
Flinty sighed. Her enthusiasm made me want to see it, too, so I was also bummed out. But hey, there's always a next time. The sun was likely to set soon anyway.
"..."
I couldn't be happy with "there's always next time," though. This expedition was for Flinty, not me.
"Why don't we sneak in?"
"S-Sneak in!?"
The suggestion appalled her. Actually, she just looked shocked.
"But sneaking in isn't... isn't it wrong?"
Probably.
"Not really. I mean, if it was to do something malicious, then of course it'd be wrong. But we're just trying to look around."
She nodded along to my explanation.
"T-That makes sense... but I don't know."
"If sneaking in bothers you, then forget it. I don't want you to feel guilty."
She had a very mixed look. I'm glad Flinty has a stern moral compass. I'm starting to think I may be a bad influence on her.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5naJQpiC6
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"W-Well, I really do want to show you the Green Zone, but..."
She was having an intense internal conflict: morality, or looking cool to her friend. If I was able to tell so easily, then I'm definitely a bad influence on her. But right as I was about to open my mouth and tell her that we should give up, she spoke.
"Okay, we can sneak in. I have an idea!"
"You do? Can I hear it?"
She nodded. We walked around a corner into an alleyway to not be seen by the guard.
"I have a friend who lives in the green zone. She might be able to get us in if she tells the guards that we're her guests."
"Will the guard only believe those inside the zone?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6HFPaZlBy
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7pJqYfJ4z
She nodded.
"Alright, that sounds like a plan. How will we contact her, though?"
Flinty froze, then nervously laughed. Looks like that plan is out of the window. I thought of a substitute plan while Flinty stared at the ground clenching her head.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0EdVzsIfu
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSV4ic190k
"I think if I send a message–"
"That's too slow. I have a better idea."
Despite her dejected face she still listened.
"What if I grow a plant tall enough to push us over the wall?"
Flinty seemed excited at first, but then her face grew contorted.
"But, won't that make us intruding really obvious?"
Ah, crap. Now I was looking dejected. I tried thinking of another idea but that was easier said than done.
So, I suppose in the meantime–
"We'll go with the letter. Do you think it'll be sent in time?"
"We could ask the guard to deliver it. No, that won't happen, will it? Hmm..."
The both of us furiously brainstormed. I was suddenly made aware of my hunger, and thirst, and my general tiredness. Maybe stopping by a restaurant before entering was a good idea?
Right as I was about to suggest that though, I caught something in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to see a woman in a dusty, casual dress with an apron on as she was holding a vase over her head.
"Flinty, look!"
She did look, and I felt like she got the same idea as me. We ran out of the alleyway to the woman.
Time to put my best kid face on.
"U-Uhm, miss?" I said.
"Excuse me, miss?" Flinty said. But, she wasn't putting on puppy eyes like I. Actually, she had no reason to; she's adorable as is.
"A-Ah, what's the matter, children?"
Flinty took the conversation.
"A friend of mine named Vikky invited us to her home, but the guard won't let us pass! Can you please help us?"
The woman looked flustered, but then she furrowed her brows menacingly. Excellent. You did a great job, Flinty.
"Is that so? Follow me then."
The woman took us to the guard and confronted him. Even though the guard explained over and over that we needed written permission, the woman didn't let up. I felt sorry for the guard, but that's what he gets for picking a fight with petty kids.
The guard stared daggers at us, but he let us go anyway. He mumbled something about "idiot adults." I get it. They're great, aren't they?
With that, we were now in the Green Zone. Before us was a cobbled bridge over a creek of water. Over the bridge was a field of grass with houses sprawled around. It was a misfit in a city like this, but it was still a pretty sight.
"Come on, Kenny!"
"Right."
We ran over the cobbled bridge, but before crossing it, I leaned down and stared at the creak. I could seriously see my reflection in it. I looked a lot older than I thought I did.
Buffalo Village didn't have any such creek, just a well. This was an exciting moment for me. A second later, another reflection joined mine: Flinty's.
"I love doing this too," she said. "We don't have any mirrors at home."
"I could've sworn I saw some at the Tea Mage's shop."
"Huh? Where?"
"Probably the greenhouse."
"Probably!?"
I got up and crossed the bridge. Flinty rushed after me.
Honestly, aside from the grass, it was just like the city. The buildings looked like and were spaced the same, and it was just about as busy too. People here wore different clothing though. While those in the main parts of the city wore tight pants, shirts, vests and the like, the people here dressed in the same clothing. The women wore what the lady from earlier was wearing, while the men wore white shirts with a blue vest and brown pants.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5Iifqgqtf
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KPxKOFTED
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJYSQs3LNf
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Flinty shrugged.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrnDF7PCUZ
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXfHdaMT5T
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That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp24aaAfiE
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84h5lH5DrM
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoZOZGS8q2
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS11840x52M
"Why don't we ask them?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20hbLkQpgZ
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"Not a bad idea."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4e8OaZmmO
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Flinty grabbed my hand again. She told me that we were going to visit her friend Vikky. I thought she just made that name up, but it was apparently a real person. We were walking through the streets– streets wasn't the right word, more like grass paths –and waving to the few who noticed us. Everyone was exceptionally busy doing basic things to survive, like carrying water and cleaning clothes. It was a lot like home, but I wondered why they weren't using any of the technology outside of this section. Was it really to preserve the environment?193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriHEr46HuK
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My questions were useless since I never asked them out loud, but I'm sure I'd get the chance in a moment. We left the first cluster of buildings and were out in a field again. In the distance were lodgings much bigger than the ordinary house. They were only one story, but in width, they were nearly three times the size. There were fences nearby housing cows, pigs, and goats, and a few dogs were orbiting the fence around them.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpT8ishYyx
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"Wow, is this a farm?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMPO6xN1FR
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn5wDp40Id
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUECNWO7pQ
All in all, we walked for about twenty minutes. Over the farm buildings, I could see the tall wall that shielded the rest of the city. The Green Zone was about a mile long, which shouldn't surprise me. It's just a segment after all.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4Z80umhjk
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As we approached the farm building, I noticed that one of the guard dogs peering at us. Flinty seemed calm so I didn't think it was an issue. Then the dog started sprinting at us. I don't hate dogs, and usually, I'd welcome such approaches with open arms, but this dog was over half my height.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntyDw8BkxS
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9akZAacl3k
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"Uh, Flinty?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z9IZ6C7cg
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUOFBdvBza
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"Kenny!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0O5kSVz5m
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCzFzKVWLO
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNNQVPQ6Mm
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Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojuY3HHmvo
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cSnc1vacz
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9ubkNL44b
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVmekZNwjA
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"Okay."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n9fQe3pa3
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I got up and approached the dog, putting my tendril away. I didn't want him to think I was dangerous or anything. I inched closer and closer, and then I stretched my hand out. I was expecting to be tackled, but the dog started sniffing my palm and licking it.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk3TaMPMI3
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AE5mSfz1q
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Aw, who am I kidding? I can't seriously think this creature is dangerous. I move in to hug it and rubbed his sides as I made funny noises. I rubbed my face in his fur. This dog was awesome.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnCYltfstl
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdvJMVt2Wl
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOlJHZIHQd
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UeSC2xoaC
Huh? That was a voice I didn't recognize. It was the voice of a girl slightly older than us. I couldn't turn to see who it was because my face was still in Kenny's fur.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45wV3L6661
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"Vikky!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSajsNSFEr
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Oh, that's who it was. I quickly separate my face from the dog and stared at the two while laying on the floor. Flinty did a triple high-five with both hands with Vikky. She looked to be a few years older than us. She was wearing the same dress as all the other ladies, and she had rose-gold hair and a puffy ponytail.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjsklYK9ie
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLtgdZSqni
Ah, wait, what am I doing? This is blatantly rude! I quickly got to my feet, brushed the dirt off my clothes, and offered my hand. She was a few inches taller than me. Her eyes were a little thin.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYyJKNlTV8
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1WJwYZv7I
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She looked strangely amused.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSB8ygrE5B
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"Full name? Alright."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi9Bx2QHXE
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzg1rpcIzOC
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"I'm Victoria Zariel Josslyn, but you may call me Vikky. It's nice meeting you as well. Are you a friend of Flinty's?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ha1DrA1w2
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"Yes."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchvlv21HXE
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"Then let's get along."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ySqFTRR5L
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMHul1JAcX
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6m1VLZwgX
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdISkv8Vk34
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDA2rb6g79
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmvuzWgybq
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgHZo0y9u9
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAp2Tc4W48
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvA13HVubSb
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn7qL1HIOe
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"What, why?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcSdp5I6bC
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJ0D90zXnc
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"Well, to be honest, we've been having difficulty with the crops. It's been like this for a few weeks now. We thought it was just pests at first but..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K21JTh72I
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Then she pointed to a place behind her. It was a forest, and from a distance, it looked dense. I was shocked that I didn't notice it until now.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0xSEEt0B4
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"We discovered that a beast from the Green Zone Forest was attacking our crops. It probably isn't anything too dangerous, but you can never be too sure, y'know? We asked a friend of ours to get some mercenaries here, or at least some knights."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyf7IuAdSu
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So that was what the lady from before was doing.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3dBii1ALw
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeux4mMgB5L
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucRUV292HU
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The idea of getting involved with something dangerous was obviously unappealing, but when I saw how distressed she was, I couldn't help but get involved. I had a bit of confidence behind my words anyhow.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7chIinj9NQ
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiijXrdqvL
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2eFC82jkT
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnQPmh2Yfs
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBme3GznjEf
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I made a grumpy face.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarBVNHEVnM
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG5G3JOFmi
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That's a bit lame. But, it can't be helped. If Victoria didn't want our help, then that was fine. I was getting tired anyway.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1zfbP5BMb
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpIpQUJ080
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Darn it, Flinty. I should've expected as much considering how she treated the cloaked woman from earlier but last time was just paying for a drink. This is dangerous.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyefD2bccl
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I wanted to say that out loud. But, of course, I couldn't. Not just because of Flinty's determined look, but because helping someone out was always a good idea. Who knows, maybe it'll strengthen the bond Victoria has with her parents.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3eQwZNCyz
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It's worth a try if nothing else.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLft43VH8jn
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsQ01NS5WP
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQGaTLFScY
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"Well, how about you help with the crops then? They're all torn apart, but the monster left the bottoms of their stems, so we have to pull them out."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlJWfuDIJz
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV6VftCekf
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"Yes."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0dc4bPupW
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"Can I see the crops?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6fxzBdA0L
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"Uh, you can."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjW0pXnPRtR
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpne8DSTwG
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMlgOgrmwz
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Victoria showed me the ravaged spot. The damage spanned about ten meters. Either the monster responsible was very big, or very aggressive. Seeing as how the crops nearby looked rather unscathed, it was probably the latter.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyhNqF6gzn
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeNqoNcqeX
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"W-What the hell is that!?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjaYX8UScC
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIZaMuVETd
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskgC5U0orz
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEFzkl8Q9x
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5udVJuwtP
I ignored the bantering of the two. I didn't need the Tendril for this, I just wanted to look a bit cool. I stood before the broken crops and crouched beside them.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz0sAFCcWq
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvbIwgmnQm
Mana spinning. This didn't requiree much speed or power so controlling my mana was easy. One by one, I walked to the torn crops and rebuilt them.
"..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJL3dkBKH4
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuUextp2s9
It was sloppy. I hadn't practiced with normal plants in a while, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I decided to mess with the Tea Mage's plants once lessons started.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SzixWgkBC
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqIXJMJsvQ
But hey, they were back and alive now. I turned around to see how the two girls were doing. Victoria was in front of me, on one knee and with an arm on her chest. Her head was lowered.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW9WKpJ8nx
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekH2c91EDx
"What are you doing?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tPS5pNJuq
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDyxoLWcus
"I thought you were a boy. I thought you were just one of Flinty's rare friends. I was wrong. I can see it clearly now."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziHJKTLmfk
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0EgeVqw6A
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGkIA4Wg2y
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI1fXbxYIN
"You're an angel."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKpQnBMwDl
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoFzNlHozZ
"..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TohhpZNQB
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy67t1F8g1
I was at a loss for words. I wasn't flustered or anything, I understood what she said perfectly. I looked around Victoria and at Flinty. Her face showed the shock I should've been experiencing.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17DCbL1syN
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlT80iUFAK
Victoria kept staring at me. The pressure of her gaze made me sweat. Unsure of what to do, I presented the tendril right in front of her face, and she scurried away with a squeal.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yKoSeM2IB
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrK2nmpDDas
There were very strange people in this city.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe203faJqCx
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjc3J4f393
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMF1dSI4qV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2LD6f42ku
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBF6JwW0TX
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9xbmAXrvd
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleE2jjWKcq
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGswy1bD2GX
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7ApAmnYAa
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVnmwthaIO
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rZCmKmTh2
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1Me1SOmAD
"Really?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTPGA5lnGf
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwn0cuVe4W
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABE83GO3Pm
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXtfabipx9
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqcsklNObD
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIjpq00e0c
"Yes! Let's do it!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgSx95iCN9
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnDjf3Txsb
"Fine by me."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddHDW9YEaU
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7M4PKSZPK
Thus, we followed Victoria into the bar, and we were staying there this time. I was feeling reinvigorated. Maybe showing off is a source of energy for me.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ9rVCCUwd
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdhF3LVEpI
I looked at Flinty. She was happy of course, being able to help one of her friends. But she turned her head backwards from time to time.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4mt8YkNxH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcL4O2Wt79
"Is something wrong?" I asked.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8t9Q2Jnh17
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbmXqhkcGV
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5EqdDfFGr
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKHcjpe4AL
Ah, of course, she was learning after all. I hoped that she didn't want to study plants as well. I wouldn't deny her, but I wanted to keep my "thing."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKZu2YXKXO
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Jsf3rtjvU
"Sooner or later, you'll be able to do amazing things too. Learning magic is a long process, you just need to tough it out."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4vRttCqo3
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYUuON8qfi
"Is that so?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5OLVs6zDb
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlrbdzPKr3
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wzrieXFOe
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUX7Wl7RUhM
"Please, enter right here."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Uopg2wgCr
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5gBnzbv11
There was a door to the side of the building. When we entered, it looked like a living quarters. There were four beds, two pushing against their respective walls.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvDuVgYQLX
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwASSDmIMpe
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGpdx7Sh19
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhXiOcam83
The middle of the room had a circular table. A strange place for a table, sure, but certainly convenient. Flinty and I sat across each other. A few minutes later, Victoria entered the room with an older lady. She had the same dress and hair color as Victoria, but her hair was unmodified, and her face was slightly wrinkled. I stood up and walked towards the older woman, offering a hand.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3wcr1VsHL
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnISNjfKJNT
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucpQo0t9Ev
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y4VGBfoan
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPlIuRCi4X
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuzfEkAzUB
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsheVNHioH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4eumAntMb
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg77Q6igYxH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0M0B5yV2dc
"R-Right."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP1DOnMmYV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTC7hfIj46B
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUj2PJSxUzy
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3VrNUH2Yr
Victoria calls this old lady her mother, but she looked more like a grandmother than anything. Putting that aside, we all sat down around the table and started discussions.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p8VTEcdes
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChSllasR6y
"First, I'd like to thank you two young ones for helping me and my daughter. Especially you, Kenny, since you don't even know us."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62scY6Nzqq
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNaj0tWzez
I nodded.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau8yMy1PIQ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa3djVsNBD
"I'm sure Victoria has explained the situation already; there is a monster coming from the nearby forest and terrorizing our crops. As we're the only ones growing food in the Green Zone, it's become a hassle. I'd like to take this monster down as soon as possible."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK32ujtVQyr
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ssCVhpZd9
I raised my hand.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ji3YcC9nL
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFbMetT1vB
"Yes, Kenny?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLd9fnjhdO
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf23r1fxkiw
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbQBX6yAn5
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjxwXn06So
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZX7ul0lsN
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv7LonuGyZ
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5zGbd9aUl
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEhRsznxOg
"Allowed to brew?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNoXft7x9Q
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PlFYB11Zk
"Correct. The forest in the Green Zone is a magical forest. Though its monsters have been eradicated before, they may sometimes form from the special mana there."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4FdguIYKk
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgKzY6GsdY
"I see."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TkMSoHsYg
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oremV6GXr
The forest was a special zone, then, containing a type of mana not usually found in the environment. But, if it was only the mana that was special there, then–193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HcuV9rJtQ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUkMUmwRap
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAZ3L3k9Oz
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrkiS1LL9R
"You are a sharp boy. That is precisely what the issue is. Someone managed to use the mana in the forest to create a beast. Though it isn't very powerful, the beast isn't the issue."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEaaJuN1qQ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzwMQRoyjl
I have gotten myself wrapped up in something bizzare. I didn't even know beast-creating magic was possible. Tough, if the atmospheric mana allowed it, then was possible.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzg1G7VVRC
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxxYC2MO0H
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKU548Nr16
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFSjICJeOP
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZ2YkUhMYt
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNFwngbt2J
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY853bBaSnN
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J5KU6IcaK
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgV7nbM2D41
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFPbftauyq
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzHTuUskpn
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciWbcRmAIt
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuc5SkyKyS
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzn6y7U31t
In short, the mission isn't very dangerous. Though a monster was summoned, the monster itself is weak, meaning that the person who summoned it is hardly a threat as well. This meant that having Flinty help shouldn't be a concern. The difficulty of the mission comes from finding the perpetrator. The beast started appearing a week ago, but the person could've infiltrated at any time before that. It's not like the regulars in the Green Zone keep track of who does and doesn't enter. The person could even be a regular in the village, and nobody would know it.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIrYqW198a
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuPQlxPDx5
But, Victoria told a different perspective to the situation. She explained that the person responsible, should they be a villager, may not even be a danger and that that person might've created a rampaging beast on accident. It was a stretch, but nevertheless worth considering. After all, it wasn't common knowledge among the city dwellers that the forest in the Green Zone was a special-mana zone.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2p5Mt47cMm
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOR0ftzcgnz
With these two perspectives in mind, a plan was formed. First, there would be a public gathering where we would announce the situation to the rest of the Green Zone inhabitants. We would say something along the lines of "If the person responsible comes clean, then we will dispose of the threat and tell nobody." This phase of the plan covers Victoria's proposal, but I still had to confess that it was flawed. The perpetrator might be too scared to come out, or they might think we're lying. Still, it was the best thing we could come up with on short notice.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSJjTXZw5F
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eKZuFVmIr
Should that plan fail, then what we would do is dispose of the beast. The hope was that it would insensitive the person to create another monster, and we would somehow... catch them in the act.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrZfLe0fHg
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcE6Om71TV
"...Wow, this plan sucks."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5hFualRnL
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4PYHHoWrX
"Kenny!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHljt2NCGKB
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FfbtaiENh
Flinty punched me in the shoulder. I apparently said my thoughts outloud. I apologized, but the two women looked at me somberly. They knew I was right.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfndAqz7yT
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheQNkxBPn8
Still, I hadn't a better plan. If the first plan didn't work, we'd probably have to stay a night or two. For that, I requested Victoria write a letter to Flinty's residence, saying that she will be at the Green Zone for a bit.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoKfsaV9ur
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1pq4q9Ueo
Flinty looked dismayed. She probably didn't think about this turning into a multi-day state of affairs when agreeing to help. Still, she didn't look like giving up on them at all. It made me feel more confident, too.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G0bcj934A
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AJHDKXMLm
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF9XHYrjep
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK2ArtCwVj
"As soon as possible," Victoria responded, "Mom and I can gather the people in the barracks, and we'll do the announcement as planned. Kenny, you'll be with us to make sure they know we can handle it."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoT0Mfpit1
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0A5Ysu3ec
I nodded, but something was bothering me.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkemcYcsyUy
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVnXXVkeQ3
"Will the people really all come together?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡve3Zyh869v
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcOCV9UDRV
Linda stepped in.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ847JMKBn6L
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNry8qdM2p
"To be frank, we are the primary source of food in this area. They are required to hear what we say. It's nothing to worry yourself over, Kenny. At most, two-hundred people live in this zone."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ubIwMSocw
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWWn8yr3Js
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QucIfgvAA
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE70d8rJEE0
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Fh5RRIzCc
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGSEpiEEls
"Mhm!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKNSLWY0Ao
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeLcvgUgKF
Flinty was given a sheathed dagger. It fit her small stature surprisingly well. I called it a dagger, but calling it a miniature short sword would be more accurate.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGHzj4f4s3
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVo2W4O44Uq
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjn6U1xwwN5
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9MvaZivkj
–
–
–
I was waiting on the outskirts of the barracks by a peculiarly large rock. It's been about half an hour since the two ladies entered the barracks. Flinty wasn't with me, but I knew where she was hiding. She was inside a crate near one of the final buildings of the barracks. From there, she could observe the crowd from the back. As I stood, my face made strange contortions.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw31JYyVNqv
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq41y7IKSgC
I was having second thoughts.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFnSM8locn
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy7JtUw1Us
I mean, how couldn't I? A part of the plan was to talk to a group of inhabitants who were quietly minding their own business. This whole thing was honestly ridiculous.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHzNzQTeVT
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4ecHz6Ykf
I thought for a minute, that it would be a good idea to just grab Flitny and go. She'd obviously reject, but I already knew how to convince her. After all, weak or not, a monster is still a monster. Something terrible could happen, couldn't it?193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfAkObPYfd
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhefJ3ixiM
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KybTw5HaA
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmA5wAS2do
Now that I've articulated myself, I was my second thoughts were wavering. Something terrible could happen, and if I was to leave, then it would be to Victoria and Linda. Yet, here I was, complaining about it, thinking of excuses to get out of this Green Zone.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZBY2ZEQJV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQaMePryhL
Once I realized that, I became determined. I can't afford to ignore this, to just brush it away and hope it all works out. Not when the issue is manageable and evident.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ceciUUXGe
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEenvDw34B2
"..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Da4nCUNat
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNnnJBmOef
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy9VMfFI9e
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRFVeWqDhC
Phew.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VUkbyTIfW
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjq8VKfV7i
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthwFwbBSDJ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCf8FUytpw
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPEFg1uOwj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MUNM5rAJr
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjsdVGd0LQ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0BypewxHh
"Huh?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclwA4Bm6Nn
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EPaLTvqXZ
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ciMRhRVtj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPY6XM2SeD
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXq3K1IdhE
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE9eacQqVz
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OYTlkLtRk
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGPoWJwgVr
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdy0pzwSBa
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHntId60uP
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYRhZSmOz6
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1TZv50cQR
She raised an eyebrow. I pulled out the tendril and she took a few steps back. I produced a Watery-Gad-Blossom and showed it to her.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9zVEYnsS9
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl2fVTPzjV
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHZLVjwVsA
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR8o8xUAVN
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo1BOu5gu9
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTrAZ3RB3a
She looked suspicious of it.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0VH7plB1I
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SYli3Ts9c
"How do I know it's safe?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rnCY8wwOg
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LJHM6xzeu
"I can drink it right now and prove it."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkOXTyDaFk
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCIB9aQKRP
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl36XpUiCOT
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfQuaBlRJN
"Fine. I'll try it."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0S5VJEMhU
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsqPcRnWF4
I extended the tendril to her. She looked intimidated but grabbed onto it anyway. She opened her mouth before the flower, and using mana spinning, I released some liquid. She drank out of it for about thirty seconds. When she finished, I returned the tendril.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dk6AxWoQw
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0C4htNmjNf
"...Okay, fine. It's good."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABAWELWsdy
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeyFkED8TE
Yes!193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOmn4MLz1d
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWIIvvpzT7
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaunbviGfdv
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIksPUKQAti
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztyAScm5WV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGi8MEOqGu
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHfahvEOsM
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJuOJqY1qz
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuke191kesa
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6o3xgp6B6
Oh. Well, now this is awkward. Victoria walked over and leaned beside me. She had a serious look on her face. I tried imitating it. She just looked at me with a raised eyebrow.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9GI9TuPCK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUmCkA9SVH
"What are you doing?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMKmXMU3Oq
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jWWSuMhXU
"Passing the time."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4UgODnodx
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZb3gbtImq
"By making fun of my face?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6HR0xwTlQ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X0zRkQ0ce
"I'm not making fun of you."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhjNPyr6uQ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYwiUyNt7Y
She laughed a little.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgrKoWsnc6
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag7iQXAPGI
"I know, I'm just messing with you. Y'know Kenny, you're a really good kid. I don't think I've thanked you yet for helping us. So, thank you."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaDkPWsORw
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiNS6KsecI
"Of course."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgc7HG7SZS
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdhyrU0mfI
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yjdVARB18
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dknhwhM9d
"How'd you two meet?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn7v3OfW1b
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZAyIbTO1P
"..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRAWTh2aiI
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1194t6sGIu
It was an innocent question. I was relieved, since that meant I didn't have to share any of my feelings. So, I got a little closer and told the story.
